2011 NFL Draft Results: Vikings Take Kyle Rudolph, What It Means for Shiancoe?

With the the 11th pick of the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft the Minnesota Vikings selected Kyle Rudolph, the tight end from Notre Dame.

The Vikings finished last year at 6-10 for 4th in the NFC North, and it was no doubt a disappointment considering the same team was one win away from a Super Bowl appearance in 2009.

While the on-going drama from their QB situation with Brett Favre didn't help anything, it also saw Visanthe Shiancoe regress from 2009. After posting 11 TD's with 56 receptions in 2009 (both career highs), Shiancoe posted a disappointing two TD's and 47 receptions in 2010.

Now the Vikings have used a high draft pick to select one of the top tight ends in the draft with Kyle Rudolph. It seems clear that the Vikings are planning on rebuilding their offense this draft and that could mean that Visanthe Shiancoe could be on his way out of Minnesota.

Having spent the last four seasons with the Vikings, Shiancoe may have overstayed his welcome. He showed promise in 2009 but with his regression in 2010 the Vikings look to be in a bit of a rebuilding mode.

That rebuilding process now includes the stud tight end from Notre Dame who is ready to play right now and will most likely take snaps away from Visanthe Shiancoe.